Podcast Archives

Rhythm Encounter 87 – Lunar Encounter

Posted by Mike Salbato on July 4, 2022

If you know your RPGFan history very well, you’ll know that when we started in 1997, we started under the name of LunarNET. While we didn’t exclusively cover Lunar, the love of this series and Grandia (also from Game Arts) was essential to our founding. Since the SegaCD version of Lunar: The Silver… Read More »

Retro Encounter 333 – Suikoden I Part II

Posted by Michael Sollosi on June 30, 2022

Young master… listen to this episode. That is my first… and last… request. Determined duels! Shocking departures! Sudden but inevitable betrayal! The second half of Suikoden the first is not lacking in drama, and four Retro Encounter panelists relish it, whether they’re experiencing it for the… Read More »

Random Encounter 245 – Sequels and the RPGFans Who Love Them

Posted by Jonathan Logan on June 27, 2022

On this episode of Random Encounter, we’re talking about sequels and demos! Zach chats about his time with AI: The Somnium Files – nirvanA Initiative, the new sequel to the beloved “mystery box” game. Mike shares some of his favorite RPG and adventure game demos from the 2022 Steam Next Fest. And th… Read More »

Retro Encounter 332 – Suikoden I Part I

Posted by Michael Sollosi on June 23, 2022

Odessa told me: “A talkative man who doesn’t have a podcast is a coward.” One of the very first RPGs on the PlayStation, Suikoden created a legion of new fans in 1995, spawning nearly a dozen sequels and spinoffs over the next decade-plus. Retro Encounter has discussed multiple Suikoden sequels in o… Read More »

Rhythm Encounter 86 – RPG Music from the Future

Posted by Hilary Andreff on June 20, 2022

I am here in the present with a podcast recorded in the not-too-distant past because we all had an urgent need to discuss SONGS FROM THE FUTURE. Not really sure what sort of fate we’re trying to promote or avoid by bringing you these tunes, but rest assured this music is an enjoyable listen. We’ve p… Read More »

Retro Encounter 331 – Suikoden Fantasy Draft

Posted by Michael Sollosi on June 16, 2022

Hundreds of heroes hire an agent, only thirty-two get the call Retro Encounter returns from its 77-day hiatus to deliver three Suikoden episodes in a row! But before we get to our journal through the first Suikoden, we’re going to draft Suikoden characters through the lifetime of the entire series,… Read More »

Random Encounter 244 – Not-E3 Extravaganza!

Posted by Jonathan Logan on June 14, 2022

On this episode of Random Encounter, it’s Not-E3 time! Even though the illustrious gaming show is skipping a year, that doesn’t mean there isn’t a ridiculous amount of gaming news to sift through. Our panel talks about their favorite games of each day of the “show,” and discusses what the future mig… Read More »

Random Encounter 243 – Vampire Fighter 2

Posted by Jonathan Logan on May 30, 2022

On this episode of Random Encounter, the panel breaks down everything they’ve played over the last few weeks! Caitlin survives her first experience with the children of the night in Vampire: The Masquerade – Swansong. Audra enjoys a bit of video game nostalgia with Arcade Spirits: The New… Read More »

Rhythm Encounter 85 – Analyzing RPG Music with 8-bit Music Theory

Posted by Hilary Andreff on May 28, 2022

Here at Rhythm Encounter, we have the unique opportunity to bring listeners two interview episodes in a row! No, it’s not MAGFest (though we do enjoy going there when we get the opportunity). We had the chance to chat with 8-Bit Music Theory, head of the fascinating and fun YouTube channel about mus… Read More »

Random Encounter 242 – To Rogue or Not to Rogue

Posted by Jonathan Logan on May 16, 2022

On this episode of Random Encounter, we’re talking about some of the best games we’ve played so far in May! As one of the biggest fans of the Suikoden series at RPGFan, Zach relished the opportunity to dig into Eiyuden Chronicle: Rising, but did it live up to his high expectations? S… Read More »

Rhythm Encounter 84 – VGM for Life Events: Wedding Special!

Posted by Hilary Andreff on May 9, 2022

It’s spring, and I suppose that means wedding season is beginning soon? In any case, it’s the perfect time to debut a new series of episodes here on Rhythm Encounter: VGM for life events. Especially with the increased capacity for intricate instrumental music within soundtracks, RPGs are able to con… Read More »

Random Encounter 241 – Farming for DLC

Posted by Jonathan Logan on May 2, 2022

On this episode of Random Encounter, it’s time for some indie goodness down on the farm! Tarah makes her first appearance on the podcast, talking about the retro farm-sim Bit Orchard: Animal Valley for the Switch. This indie homage to Harvest Moon and Game Boy apparently makes for a very r… Read More »

Rhythm Encounter 83 – Café Vibes

Posted by Mike Salbato on April 25, 2022

Café music? You may be thinking this is more relaxing music, but it isn’t — technically. We did do that 29 episodes ago (check out parts 1 and 2 in the links below), but this time, our panelists chose music from some of our favorite video game cafés. Sometimes that’s relaxing, and sometimes it bring… Read More »

Random Encounter 240 – Xenoblade Chrono-icles

Posted by Jonathan Logan on April 18, 2022

On this episode of Random Encounter, we’re taking a page from Retro Encounter and talking about some of our favorite games of the past! Tyler is here to talk about his recent feature “So You Want to Get Into the Xeno Series,” a deep dive into the series that started with Xenogears on the PSX and is… Read More »

Rhythm Encounter 82 – Final Fantasy XIII Trilogy

Posted by Mike Salbato on April 11, 2022

Final Fantasy XIII isn’t the only divisive entry in Square Enix’s long-running series, but it sure evokes some passionate discussion amongst RPG fans. Love it, hate it, or in between it, the three games that follow Lightning and company’s saga all have one thing that few people can refute: absolutel… Read More »

Random Encounter 239 – RPGFans in Wonderland

Posted by Jonathan Logan on April 4, 2022

On this episode of Random Encounter, it’s tabletop RPGs, farms, and Zelda-likes. Oh my! Neal returns to Random to talk about the recent Borderlands spinoff, Tiny Tina’s Wonderlands, Brian shares his thoughts about how Rune Factory 5 has advanced the series, and Greg returns to chat about Arietta of… Read More »

Rhythm Encounter 81 – April Fool’s Karaoke Day!

Posted by Jonathan Logan on April 1, 2022

Do you miss the days when you and your friends would be sitting around, bored out of your minds on a Friday night, until someone randomly said “Hey! Let’s go to karaoke!” Well, you’re in luck cause the crew at RPGFan is inviting you on an RPG karaoke night you’ll never forget! To celebrate April Foo… Read More »

Retro Encounter 330 – Salt and Sanctuary

Posted by Michael Sollosi on March 31, 2022

Three hosts enter. One leaves satisfied, one leaves salty, and the third… is still on the island. For Retro Encounter’s third and final game of Metroidvania Month, three panelists took on Ska Studios’ Salt & Sanctuary, a 2016 action RPG inspired heavily by both Metroidvania games and From Softwa… Read More »

Rhythm Encounter 80 – Final Fantasy: Remastered Pixels

Posted by Mike Salbato on March 28, 2022

Once we heard some of the music in the Final Fantasy Pixel Remaster titles, we knew they would warrant their own episode. With Final Fantasy VI finally releasing last month, we we able to listen to the updated soundtracks to all six games, and each one is a delight. In today’s episode of Rhythm Enco… Read More »

Retro Encounter 329 – RPG Adaptations III

Posted by Michael Sollosi on March 26, 2022

Of warrior mice and podcast men. Adaptations! In advance of an RPGFan feature later this month, three Retro Encounter panelists talk about their favorite stories and IP from outside the realm of video game RPGs, and how they each could be adapted into RPGs. 1980s novels aimed at young adults, 2000s… Read More »

Random Encounter 238 – Project Chaotic Chaos

Posted by Jonathan Logan on March 21, 2022

On this episode of Random Encounter, it’s pure chaos as the panel walks Jono through their thoughts on some of the latest RPGs! Making their first appearance on the show, Izzy is here to break down the “story of an angry man” that is Stranger of Paradise: Final Fantasy Origin. Then Niki shares… Read More »

Retro Encounter 328 – Super Metroid

Posted by Mike Salbato on March 17, 2022

A couple weeks ago, we kicked off Metroidvania March with an episode on Castlevania: Aria of Sorrow. Today we turn our attention to what is, in many ways, the true origin of this sub-genre of adventure games, and the first half of its name before “-vania” would be added in subsequent years: Super Me… Read More »

Rhythm Encounter 79 – A Toast to Tanioka

Posted by Mike Salbato on March 14, 2022

Maybe you know Kumi Tanioka as a composer, arranger, or pianist, or maybe you don’t know her at all! But considering her immense contributions to Final Fantasy XI and the Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles series over the years, you may have heard her work, regardless. Today our small panel convenes t… Read More »

Retro Encounter 327 – Pokémon Fantasy Draft

Posted by Michael Sollosi on March 11, 2022

Jay Bilas is on hand to break down Flying-type wingspans. It’s time to d-d-d-d-draft! Several RPGFan staff are enjoying Pokemon Legends: Arceus in the early days of 2022, so four Retro Encounter panelists are celebrating good times by drafting teams of their favorite monsters and trainers from the P… Read More »

Random Encounter 237 – First Fantasies II/IV

Posted by Jonathan Logan on March 7, 2022

On this episode of Random Encounter, the panel looks back to the golden age of RPGs with the Pixel Remasters of Final Fantasy IV, V, and VI! We tackled the first three entries in the Pixel Remaster series (I, II, and III) back in Episode 221, but it’s time to move to a new generation of console, the… Read More »

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